The Southern Cross, why did I
choose this name?The Southern Cross
is a star-formation of the southern skies, only able to be seen from south of the equator.
It has fascinated people since the first human days. It has shown sailors and explorers
the way into and safely from their uncertain visits to foreign parts.

The Southern Cross will always be
a memory for me of my time in the countries of the southern hemisphere and on the great
southern oceans of this earth. In my view it is a beautiful, exotic name, and so one after
which I name my first home page.

What you'll see
on this site are details of my hobbies and interests, developed over the course of my
life. In the following paragraphs I provide a brief explanation about each of these areas.

The Socceroos Australian national soccer team. Australia qualified for the World
Cup Finals in Germany in 1974. The reason for the formation of my site. Through these
pages, you will remember that time and you will see many unpublished pictures from those
days. It was the first time Australia has qualified for the men's World Cup Finals.

Peter Wilson was captain of the Socceroos many years ago. His life, his unique
career, as well as why exactly he has so interested me, is extensively covered here. It
took me several decades to collect this data.

The Lloyd Sydney is a ship in which I travelled the seven oceans over the period of
a year. Her life, from her construction up to her tragic end, is described here.

You may ask, "When will this
home page be completed?". I can never clearly answer that. The information in my
archives, the ideas in my head, the various histories too many to quickly write down - the
large quantity of photos that collect dust in cartons, waiting to be scanned - offers a
never-ending data flow.

I think it is
worthwhile. And so too may you if you are interested in these various threads. It may also
bring back memories for you. And maybe you will also see a new picture or a story next
time you visit.

I wish all
visitors much fun on the pages of "The Southern Cross." If you would like to
post me about any of these pages, even to offer a correction or a simple comment, I would
be grateful for your contact.